VA Salem Medical Center: Contact, Services & Enrollment Guide

Salem VA Medical Center in Virginia: Services, Hours, Phone Number & How to Enroll

The Salem VA Medical Center is located at 1970 Roanoke Boulevard, Salem, VA 24153. The main phone number is 540-982-2463 (toll-free: 888-982-2463). It is a 242-bed teaching hospital serving more than 78,000 veterans across 26 counties in southwestern Virginia. The emergency department is open 24/7. To enroll, apply online with VA Form 10-10EZ, by phone at 1-877-222-8387, or in person at the Enrollment and Eligibility Office inside the main entrance.

Quick Facts

What Is the Salem VA Medical Center?

The Salem VA Medical Center is a Veterans Affairs health care facility in Salem, Virginia, operated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. It is the primary VA medical center for veterans living in southwestern Virginia, serving more than 78,000 eligible veterans across 26 counties, 13 independent cities, and 8,800 square miles.

The medical center is a 242-bed teaching hospital with 68 buildings totaling more than 1.2 million square feet of space. It is part of the VA Salem Health Care System, which includes the main medical center in Salem and five community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs) in Danville, Lynchburg, Staunton, Tazewell, and Wytheville.

Salem VA Medical Center operates within Veterans Integrated Service Network 6 (VISN 6), the VA Mid-Atlantic Health Care Network, which includes VA medical centers in Asheville, Durham, Fayetteville, Salisbury, Hampton, Richmond, and Salem.

History

The Salem VA Medical Center was the first hospital constructed under President Franklin Roosevelt’s administration. President Roosevelt dedicated the facility on October 19, 1934, in front of an estimated crowd of 40,000 people. It remains the only VA hospital in U.S. history to be officially opened by a sitting president.

The hospital was originally built as a neuropsychiatric facility on 445 acres. It also operated as a working farm where patients raised cattle, hogs, and food as part of their therapy. Today, the facility employs more than 1,800 staff members.

Accreditation and Ratings

The Salem VA Health Care System has earned the highest possible rating — five stars — from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for three consecutive years. The facility holds accreditation from The Joint Commission and the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities.

Why this matters: Accreditation and CMS star ratings are independent measures of quality and safety. A five-star rating indicates the facility meets or exceeds national standards for patient care, safety, and outcomes. Veterans choosing where to receive care can use these ratings to make informed decisions.

Salem VA Medical Center Contact Information

The main phone number for the Salem VA Medical Center is 540-982-2463. The toll-free number is 888-982-2463. The facility is located at 1970 Roanoke Boulevard, Salem, VA 24153-6404, at the intersection of Roanoke Boulevard and Peter’s Creek Road.

Key Phone Numbers

What veterans should do next: Save the main phone number (540-982-2463) and the toll-free number (888-982-2463) in your phone. For prescription refills, use the automated refill line at 540-982-2463, option 1, then option 1. For pharmacy questions, call ext. 2720 during business hours.

Facility Hours and Service Hours

The Salem VA Medical Center’s emergency department is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The facility’s main hours are listed as 24/7 on the VA’s official location page, but individual service hours vary.

Service-Specific Hours

Important: Hours may vary for different services. Always call ahead to confirm hours for the specific service you need. The VA recommends selecting a service on their official location page to check the exact hours.

What veterans should do next: Before visiting for a non-emergency service, call 540-982-2463 to confirm the service is open and to schedule an appointment. The emergency department is always open for life-threatening conditions.

Services Offered at Salem VA Medical Center

The Salem VA Medical Center offers a comprehensive range of health care services for veterans. The facility is a Complexity Level 1c medical center, providing tertiary care in medicine, surgery, mental health, and extended care and rehabilitation.

Primary Care

Primary care at Salem VA is delivered through a Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) model. Your primary care provider works with you to plan all the care you need, including immunizations, screenings, and coordination with specialists.

Primary care services include:

• Annual physicals and wellness exams

• Immunizations and vaccinations

• Lab work and blood tests

• Mental health screenings

• Women’s health care

• Radiology and imaging

• Telehealth appointments

• Social services coordination

Emergency Care

The Salem VA emergency department provides immediate treatment for serious, life-threatening health emergencies, including severe chest pain, seizures, heavy uncontrollable bleeding, and moderate to severe burns. The department is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

When to use emergency care: Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department for chest pain, signs of stroke, severe shortness of breath, uncontrolled bleeding, or any condition that threatens life, limb, sight, or safety.

Urgent Care

Salem VA offers urgent care for minor injuries and non-emergency illnesses that need early attention but are not life-threatening. Conditions treated include colds, flu, strep throat, sinus infections, ear and eye infections, minor injuries, muscle strains, rashes, and skin infections.

Mental Health Care

Salem VA provides comprehensive mental health services, including treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. The facility operates an inpatient PTSD unit and a Center for Traumatic Stress.

Mental health services include:

• Individual and group therapy

• Medication management

• Inpatient psychiatric care

• Substance abuse rehabilitation

• Crisis intervention

• Suicide prevention

The Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7 at 988 (press 1) or by texting 838255.

Women Veteran Care

The MSG Silverine James Women’s Health Clinic at Salem VA provides complete health care for women veterans of all ages. Services include breast health, reproductive care, maternity care, mental health counseling, and treatment for military sexual trauma.

Specific services for women veterans include:

• Ultrasounds, mammograms, Pap and HPV tests

• Mental health care and counseling

• Menopause treatment, including hormonal therapy

• Family planning, contraceptive care, and infertility evaluation

• Referrals for obstetric and peri-natal care

• Female-specific medical equipment

Specialty Care

Salem VA offers a wide range of specialty services:

Extended Care and Rehabilitation

Salem VA provides extended care services including:

• Community Living Center (CLC): Long-term care for veterans who need ongoing nursing care

• Home-Based Primary Care: Health care delivered in the veteran’s home

• Hospice and Palliative Care: Comfort-focused care for serious illness

• Geriatric Care: Specialized care for older veterans

• Blind and Low Vision Rehabilitation: Training and aids for veterans with vision loss

Pharmacy Services

The Salem VA Medical Center has the only on-site pharmacy in the VA Salem Health Care System. The CBOCs in Danville, Lynchburg, Staunton, Tazewell, and Wytheville do not have on-site pharmacies.

Pharmacy services include:

• New prescription pickup at Building 143

• Refills online through My HealtheVet

• Refills by phone (540-982-2463, option 1, then option 1)

• Refills by mail

• Medication disposal through MedSafe boxes

Important: Order your refills at least 10 days before your supply runs out. The VA mails most prescription refills through the U.S. Postal Service.

Telehealth Services

Salem VA offers telehealth appointments using Clinical Video Telehealth (CVT) and Store and Forward Telehealth (SFT). These services allow veterans to receive care remotely when appropriate. Store and Forward programs include tele-eye (for diabetic retinopathy screening) and tele-derm (for skin condition review).

What veterans should do next: Ask your primary care provider whether telehealth is an option for your condition. Telehealth can save travel time for veterans in rural parts of southwestern Virginia.

VA Salem Health Care System Clinics

The VA Salem Health Care System operates six locations. The main medical center is in Salem, and five community-based outpatient clinics serve veterans across southwestern Virginia.

The Salem VA Health Care System serves veterans in Alleghany, Bedford, Botetourt, Craig, Floyd, Franklin, and Montgomery counties, as well as the cities of Radford, Roanoke, and Salem.

How to Enroll in VA Health Care at Salem VA

To receive care at the Salem VA Medical Center, you must first enroll in VA health care. Enrollment is free and can be completed online, by phone, by mail, or in person.

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility

Most veterans who served in the active military, naval, or air service and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable may qualify for VA health care. Priority groups determine the order in which veterans are enrolled.

Step 2: Complete VA Form 10-10EZ

The Application for Health Care Benefits (VA Form 10-10EZ) is the standard enrollment form. You can:

• Apply online at VA.gov/health-care/apply-for-health-care-form-10-10ez

• Apply by phone at 1-877-222-8387 (VA health care enrollment)

• Apply by mail — Download, print, and mail the form to your local VA facility

• Apply in person — Visit the Enrollment and Eligibility Office at Salem VA Medical Center

Step 3: Gather Required Documents

To get a faster decision, bring or upload these documents:

• DD-214 or other discharge documents — Proves your military service and character of discharge

• VA disability award letters — If you have a VA disability rating

• Income information — From the previous calendar year, if you have a 0% VA disability rating or are a non-service-connected veteran

• Current insurance cards — Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, or private health insurance

Step 4: Submit Your Application

If applying in person at Salem VA Medical Center, bring your completed form and documents to the Enrollment and Eligibility Office inside the main entrance at 1970 Roanoke Boulevard. The office is open Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m..

Step 5: Wait for a Decision

The VA will review your application and send you a decision letter. Processing times vary. If you have a service-connected disability rating of 10% or higher, your application may be expedited.

What veterans should do next: If you are not sure whether you qualify, apply anyway. The VA determines eligibility during the enrollment process. You can also call the Enrollment and Eligibility Office at 540-982-2463 with questions.

Recent Enrollment Events and Outreach

The Salem VA Medical Center actively hosts enrollment fairs to help veterans sign up for health care and benefits.

On August 29, 2026, the Salem VA Medical Center hosted a VetFest Veteran Enrollment and Benefits Fair. More than 250 veterans attended, more than 50 enrolled in VA health care, and more than 70 received assistance filing new benefits claims. The Roanoke Regional Veterans Benefits Administration team helped more than 70 veterans file claims during the event.

Veterans who were unable to attend the fair can still enroll through the Enrollment and Eligibility Office inside the main entrance. Veterans seeking to enroll should bring their DD-214, a valid photo ID, and any insurance information.

What veterans should do next: Watch for future VetFest events or contact the Enrollment and Eligibility Office directly to schedule an enrollment appointment. The VA also allows online enrollment at any time through VA.gov.

Comparison: Salem VA Medical Center vs. Community Care

Veterans enrolled in VA health care may receive care at the Salem VA Medical Center or through VA Community Care, which connects veterans with non-VA providers in their community.

How Community Care works: If the Salem VA Medical Center cannot provide the care you need within VA wait-time or travel-distance standards, you may be eligible for Community Care. Your VA provider will make the referral. Veterans cannot self-refer to Community Care.

What veterans should do next: If you live far from Salem and need specialty care, ask your VA provider whether you qualify for Community Care. Eligibility is based on distance, wait times, and whether the VA can provide the needed service.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Assuming you are automatically enrolled in VA health care. Enrolling in VA health care is a separate process from receiving VA disability compensation or pension. You must complete VA Form 10-10EZ and receive an enrollment decision before you can receive care at Salem VA.

2. Not bringing your DD-214 to your enrollment appointment. The DD-214 proves your military service. Without it, your application may be delayed. If you do not have your DD-214, you can request a replacement through the National Archives.

3. Using the wrong phone number for pharmacy refills. The automated refill line is 540-982-2463, option 1, then option 1. For pharmacy questions, use ext. 2720. Using the main line for refills may result in longer wait times.

4. Waiting until your prescription runs out to order refills. The VA recommends ordering refills at least 10 days before your supply runs out. Mail delivery takes additional time.

5. Going to a CBOC for prescription pickup. Danville, Lynchburg, Staunton, Tazewell, and Wytheville CBOCs do not have on-site pharmacies. Only the Salem VA Medical Center has an on-site pharmacy for prescription pickup.

6. Not checking service-specific hours. While the emergency department is open 24/7, other services have limited hours. Always call ahead to confirm hours for the specific service you need.

7. Missing the enrollment office hours. The Health Benefits Office is open Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. It is closed on weekends. Plan your in-person enrollment visit accordingly.

8. Forgetting to bring insurance information. Even if you have other health insurance, bringing your insurance cards can help the VA coordinate your care and billing.

Key Takeaways

• Salem VA Medical Center is at 1970 Roanoke Boulevard, Salem, VA 24153. Main phone: 540-982-2463. Toll-free: 888-982-2463.

• It is a 242-bed teaching hospital serving 78,000+ veterans across 26 counties and 8,800 square miles in southwestern Virginia.

• The emergency department is open 24/7. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest ER.

• To enroll, complete VA Form 10-10EZ online at VA.gov, by phone at 1-877-222-8387, or in person at the Enrollment and Eligibility Office.

• Required documents: DD-214, photo ID, income information, and insurance cards. Bring these to your enrollment appointment for a faster decision.

• The pharmacy is only at the Salem campus. CBOCs in Danville, Lynchburg, Staunton, Tazewell, and Wytheville do not have on-site pharmacies.

• Pharmacy refills: 540-982-2463, option 1, then option 1. Order refills at least 10 days before you run out.

• Women veterans have a dedicated clinic — the MSG Silverine James Women’s Health Clinic — offering comprehensive women’s health services.

• Telehealth is available for many types of appointments. Ask your provider if telehealth is an option for you.

• VetFest enrollment fairs are held periodically to help veterans enroll and file claims. The Enrollment and Eligibility Office accepts walk-ins during business hours.

Common Questions

What is the phone number for Salem VA Medical Center?
The main phone number is 540-982-2463, available 24/7. The toll-free number is 888-982-2463. For pharmacy refills, call 540-982-2463, option 1, then option 1. For pharmacy questions, call ext. 2720 during business hours.

Where is the Salem VA Medical Center located?
It is located at 1970 Roanoke Boulevard, Salem, VA 24153-6404. The campus is at the intersection of Roanoke Boulevard and Peter’s Creek Road. It is accessible from Interstate 81 and U.S. Route 11/460.

What are the Salem VA Medical Center hours?
The emergency department is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Health Benefits Office is open Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Other services have varying hours. Call 540-982-2463 to confirm hours for the specific service you need.

How do I enroll in VA health care at Salem VA?
Complete VA Form 10-10EZ (Application for Health Care Benefits). You can apply online at VA.gov, by phone at 1-877-222-8387, by mail, or in person at the Enrollment and Eligibility Office inside the main entrance. Bring your DD-214, photo ID, income information, and insurance cards.

What documents do I need to enroll?
You need copies of your DD-214 or other discharge documents, a valid photo ID, income information from the previous calendar year (if you have a 0% VA disability rating or are a non-service-connected veteran), and current insurance cards for any other health coverage you have.

Does Salem VA Medical Center have an emergency room?
Yes. The Salem VA emergency department is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It provides immediate treatment for serious, life-threatening emergencies such as severe chest pain, seizures, heavy bleeding, and moderate to severe burns.

What specialty services are available at Salem VA?
Salem VA offers cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, neurology, urology, ophthalmology, audiology, dermatology, gastroenterology, pulmonology, nephrology, rheumatology, physical therapy, prosthetics, mental health, women’s health, and extended care services including a Community Living Center.

Can women veterans receive care at Salem VA?
Yes. The MSG Silverine James Women’s Health Clinic provides comprehensive care for women veterans, including breast health, reproductive care, maternity care, mental health counseling, mammograms, Pap tests, and treatment for military sexual trauma. Women Veterans Program Managers are available to coordinate care.

How do I refill my prescriptions from Salem VA?
Refill by phone at 540-982-2463, option 1, then option 1. You can also refill online through My HealtheVet, through the VA Health & Benefits mobile app, or by mailing the refill request form. The outpatient pharmacy is in Building 143, open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

What if I live far from Salem VA?
The VA Salem Health Care System operates community-based outpatient clinics in Danville, Lynchburg, Staunton, Tazewell, and Wytheville. You may also qualify for VA Community Care, which connects you with local providers. Ask your VA provider about Community Care eligibility.

Does Salem VA offer telehealth appointments?
Yes. Salem VA offers Clinical Video Telehealth and Store and Forward Telehealth for appropriate appointments. Telehealth can include primary care, mental health, and specialty consultations. Ask your provider whether telehealth is an option for your care.

What is the Veterans Crisis Line number?
Call 988 and press 1, or text 838255. The Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7. You do not need to be enrolled in VA health care to use the crisis line. All calls are confidential.

Official Resources

• VA Salem Health Care System — va.gov/salem-health-care

• Salem VA Medical Center Location Page — va.gov/salem-health-care/locations/salem-va-medical-center

• VA Health Care Enrollment — va.gov/health-care/apply-for-health-care-form-10-10ez

• VA Form 10-10EZ — va.gov/find-forms/about-form-10-10ez

• VA Salem Health Services — va.gov/salem-health-care/health-services

• VA Salem Pharmacy — va.gov/salem-health-care/pharmacy

• VA Salem Contact Us — va.gov/salem-health-care/contact-us

• VA Salem Register for Care — va.gov/salem-health-care/register-for-care

• Veterans Crisis Line — 988 (press 1) or text 838255

• Women Veterans Call Center — 855-VA-WOMEN (855-829-6636)

• VA Community Care — va.gov/communitycare

• National Archives — Request Military Records — archives.gov/personnel-records-center

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